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Your Dental Plan Options (Open Enrollment 2020)

Coverage provided and underwritten by Ameritas Life Insurance Corp

Eligible Duke employees scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week can choose from three dental options, depending on the extent of coverage you and your family may need. All options cover Type 1 (preventive), Type 2 (basic), Type 3 (major) and Type 4 (periodontics/endodontics services), but differ in how they pay for covered services.

Preferred Provider Option (PPO) Plan

The PPO plan includes a higher maximum annual benefit than Plan A and Plan B, lower negotiated procedure rates and your out of pocket costs are usually lower. However, participants in the PPO will need to select an in-network provider. If you select the PPO and use an out-of-network provider, the amount the plan pays will be based on discounted network charges and you will be responsible for any amount charged over that allowance. A list of network dentists is available at ameritas.com or by calling Ameritas at 1-800-755-8844. There is also a direct link to the Dental Plan on the Duke Benefits page that can be used to find a network provider.

Plan A and Plan B

If you enroll in Plan A, you can select any licensed dentist of your choice. You may also choose to use a network provider. Using a network provider will limit your out of pocket cost. Also, if you utilize a network provider, the deductible is waived for all covered procedures.

Plan B provides a very basic benefit and payments are based on a fixed schedule of fees. The schedule for Plan B is available on the Ameritas website at ameritas.com. You should review the fixed schedule before selecting this option.

How to Increase Your Annual Maximum Benefit

All three plans have an annual maximum benefit. If you reach this annual maximum benefit, Ameritas will not reimburse any additional services for the remainder of the calendar year. Dental plan members who have at least one covered dental claim filed in calendar year 2019, with less than $500 in claims payments, will have their annual maximum benefit increased by $250 in 2020. This accumulation can continue each year until the annual maximum has increased in the PPO plan from $1,250 to $2,250; on Plan A from $1,000 to $2,000; and on Plan B from $750 to $1,750.

Questions to Ask: Making Your Dental Plan Decisions

When comparing Duke’s dental plans, it is important to compare out-of-pocket expenses as well as premiums. Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing a dental plan that matches the needs of you and your family. For specific coverage information, please refer to the Dental Plans Comparison Chart.

  PPO Plans Plan A Plan B
Can I visit any dentist? No, you must use a network dentist Yes, you may choose any licensed dentist or use a network dentist Yes, you may choose any licensed dentist or use a network dentist
Am I required to use a network dentist? Yes No No
If I don't enroll within 30 days after my date of hire or eligibility and enroll in the future, will I be a "late entrant"? Yes, please see below for more details Yes, please see below for more details Yes, please see below for more details
Will my dependent children who live in a different location be covered? Yes, may choose a dentist within a nationwide network Yes Yes
Is there a dental deductible before the insurance will pay for covered services? Yes, an annual $50 deductible for "major" services Yes, a $100 lifetime deductible for "basic" services and an annual $75 deductible for "major" services Yes, a combined annual $50 deductible for "basic" and "major" services
Will I have out-of-pocket costs for preventive services? No Yes, cost sharing may be required if dentist charges above U&C Yes
I need an existing filling replaced. Will it be covered if I enroll in a Duke dental plan? Yes, if the filling is at least 6 months old Yes, if the filling is at least 6 months old Yes, if the filling is at least 6 months old
Are teeth whitening services covered under dental coverage? No No No

Late Entrant Restrictions on Benefits for 2020

If you and/or your dependent(s) are not currently enrolled for dental coverage through Duke and enroll for 2020, you and/or your dependent(s) will be considered a "late entrant." As a "late entrant" your benefits during 2020 will be limited to preventive services: two preventive routine care exams (not including X-rays), two prophylaxis (routine) cleanings, and for children under age 19, one fluoride application. No other dental or orthodontia procedures or services will be covered during the first 12 months, if a member is enrolled as a late entrant.

Periodontal procedures, including maintenance/ cleanings, would not be covered during this 12-month period.

Once you have been enrolled in a Duke dental plan for at least 12 months, the plan will also cover basic and major procedures such as fillings, extractions, crowns, root canals and periodontal treatment (including periodontal maintenance which applies towards cleaning frequency).

This 12-month waiting period does not apply:

  • if you are switching from one Duke dental plan to another Duke plan,
  • if you enroll an eligible dependent within 30 days of a qualifying event such as marriage or adoption, or
  • if you add a child during an open enrollment period prior to his/her second birthday.

Benefits